Chapter Twelve – Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin
Aldwyn groans as he wakes up. His eyes sting, feeling excessively dry, his cheeks itch and his throat aches as if he had starched it. Attempting to push himself up, his cheeks flame in remembrance of his mini panic attack. He couldn't believe he had lost control because of those despicable muggles. It was embarrassing. Though he did have to admit that he felt a whole lot better now that he had told his family everything about his treatment from his past.
Severus, who had moved to sit next to Marvolo hands intertwined, and Marvolo glance down at Aldwyn their expressions softening when green eyes blink rapidly, his gaze sweeping around the room. The pair shuffle closer, helping Aldwyn rest back against Marvolo's chest while his legs rest comfortably over Severus's lap, their conjoined hands resting over Aldwyn's knees.
Aldwyn glances from their joined hands to Severus's head resting against his father's shoulder and can't stop the grin from stretching across his lips. He fully relaxes in their embrace, slipping his hand on top of Marvolo's and Severus's with a quiet giggle. He didn't really understand what any of this meant but it made him happy to see his father and Severus looking so happy, so he wasn't going to question it.
"How are you feeling, Snakelet?" Marvolo questions, dragging a hand through Aldwyn's hair.
"I am feeling much better now, Father. Thank you."
"I am pleased to hear that. Now, I wish to speak to you about the adoption ritual, if you are feeling up to it?"
Aldwyn nods hesitantly, he can't help but wonder if his father had somehow changed his mind about doing the ritual now that he knew the full extent of his past. Though his father's tender smile and the kiss he drops to his head quickly brushes those thoughts away.
"I believe that because it has been such an emotionally strenuous day for us all, it would be best to hold the ritual tomorrow afternoon, instead of the morning. This will give all those involved a chance to fully recuperate and prepare for the drain on their magic which will occur, as well as give the Elves more time to clean up the ritual chamber. I know you are looking forward to holding the ritual Aldwyn, as am I, but I do not wish you to be hurt more so than you already are. You are still recovering from the muggles' treatment of you, and I know that you are almost healed, but I would rather know that you are going to be as safe as possible before we do this. Tomorrow afternoon is as early as I will allow, Aldwyn."
Aldwyn stares up at his father for a second, processing his words before he inclines his head. He definitely is still feeling tired from his emotional relapse and agrees that he doesn't feel up to taking part in such a taxing ritual. No matter how disappointed he is. Glancing around the room, he takes stock of the multiple sets of red-rimmed eyes staring down at him, he isn't the only one who needs some decent sleep and recuperation time.
"Alright, Father, I understand. I know that I am in no real state to take part. Though I am a little disappointed that we can't do it tomorrow morning, I understand. We are definitely doing it tomorrow afternoon though, right?"
"Yes, Snakelet. We will definitely be performing the ritual tomorrow. I promise you that." Marvolo chuckles, ruffling Aldwyn's hair while rolling his eyes at the child's obvious excitement for his adoption to take place, not that he could blame him. Marvolo turns to Severus, extracting his hand from Severus, he wraps his arm around the other's waist, pulling his closer. Severus chuckles, fully resting against Marvolo after placing a soft kiss on Aldwyn's forehead, hand patting his shin.
"There are a few things we need to inform you about in regard to the ritual before we participate, however. Firstly, both you and I need to be 100% sure that this is what we want. If even a little doubt slips into our thoughts through the casting, then the ritual may not take root, or it may be quite painful for us both."
Aldwyn nods his head and Marvolo knows that this will cause them no issues. Aldwyn was so desperate to belong to a loving family, to belong somewhere that he would willingly partake in an adoption with the Weasleys if it meant he would never have to go back to the muggles. Besides, he already saw Aldwyn as his own son, no matter that they weren't blood-related. The ritual would change that soon enough.
"Second, this ritual may be a little painful for you, Snakelet. Not a lot, but you may feel a bit of pain when your old blood, the Potter blood is burnt from your veins and replaced by the Slytherin blood. I promise you this though, Snakelet; we will have a pain relief potion ready for you and as soon as the ritual is over, the pain will stop."
"Okay, Father."
"Thirdly, Severus is going to be working on the potions tonight and tomorrow morning to ensure that they are complete and ready for use to use by tomorrow afternoon. The Malfoys will also be present as both witnesses and participants. We need a certain amount of people to take part in order to make and hold the magical circle open in order for the magic to take root properly." Aldwyn glances over at the Malfoy family for a second, feeling at ease that his whole family were going to be present for such a huge milestone.
"Does the ritual take a long time?"
"No, it doesn't Aldwyn. The adoption ritual, the one we have chosen to conduct in any case, can take anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour depending on how willing the participants are in accepting their new roles, and the developing bond between father and son. It could also depend on how long our ancestors take to deliberate your acceptance into the family, as my son and heir." Aldwyn nods his head, resting back against his father's side, he covers a yawn, eyes blinking rapidly to stave off the encroaching exhaustion clouding his mind.
"The final thing, Aldwyn and then you can go back to sleep, is that we will all need to be 100% rested physically. I have ordered the House elves to allow you to sleep until 10 am tomorrow morning. If you wake up naturally beforehand, then that is fine, but they are to leave you alone until 10 unless you call for Geeney. The rest of us will be doing the same, as this will give us two hours to gather the remaining supplies and prepare the last details for the ritual. Do you have any questions, Snakelet?"
Aldwyn contemplates for a moment, shaking his head when he couldn't immediately think of any questions he watched to ask. If he thought of any later then he could always ask tomorrow before they actually began the ritual. Marvolo nods, holding his son close, pressing a kiss to his forehead; he was relieved that Aldwyn was feeling much better now and anticipating the adoption more than he had anything else in his life. He was finally going to have the child he never thought possible.
"Alright then, Snakelet. It has been a long and tiring day for us all, so off to bed with you." Marvolo calls jubilantly, standing from the sofa with Aldwyn curled in his arms. A small squeak of surprise comes from Aldwyn which draws a chuckle from Marvolo and Severus, who is pulled up as well due to his hand still being clasped tightly in Marvolo's.
Aldwyn wraps his arms around Marvolo's neck resting his head on his father's shoulder as he is carried out of the lounge. He waves goodbye to Draco who is also being guided from his seat by his mother and father and he can't help but ponder if that is what he, Severus, and his father looked like. Did they really look like a real family?
"I think that's a good idea." His voice is slurred, mumbled into his father's shoulder. He feels himself being carried out of the room, the gentle swinging of his father's movements lulling him closer to sleep. He turns his head to the side, smiling when he sees Severus walking by their side. He was pleased that no one questioned him about his slip of the tongue earlier. Yawning, Aldwyn finally allows his eyes to slide closed knowing he is secure in his father's arms.
"Good night, Snakelet."
"Sleep well, Son."
"Night, Father. Night, Papa."
The Dark Lord collapses tiredly into his seat in his personal study. He had tucked Aldwyn into bed and bid a good night to Severus who had wandered off in order to begin the potion preparation for the adoption ritual tomorrow afternoon. He chuckles, running a hand through his hair when he thinks back on him calling after the man to make sure he doesn't stay up too late; that he shouldn't become lost in his potions work as he is prone to doing. Marvolo had delighted in the flush which had painted itself across Severus's pale cheeks.
Marvolo leans his head back against the head of his chair and takes a deep breath. It had indeed been a terribly exhausting day, but it had all been worth it. Aldwyn was now legally his heir and therefore recognised as his son through Gringotts bank. His Severus had accepted his proposal to begin a courtship and his son had finally trusted him enough to reveal the extent of his treatment at the muggles' hands. All he wanted to do now was sink into his bed and not surface again until tomorrow afternoon, but there was something he needed to do first.
Slipping his hand into his pocket, Marvolo fingers the rolled piece of parchment. Drawing the letter from his robes, Marvolo stares down at it for a moment wondering why Lily Potter, an advocate for the Light side would contemplate writing him a letter. Slowly, cautiously he ties the ribbon, debating whether he should read it now or not. Curiosity gets the better of him, however, and he unrolls the parchment, eyes scanning down the neat, cursive writing.
Dear Thomas Marvolo Riddle,
Though I suppose that by now you would be going by Marvolo Slytherin, right? You see I knew that you wouldn't receive this letter until you had been informed about the sealing of James's and my will from Gringotts. However, you wouldn't have known if you had not met Harry in the chamber under the third-floor corridor of Hogwarts school. I knew this would only play out if you acquired the Philosopher's Stone from Harry after agreeing to his terms of exchange. I knew you would only see the need to visit Gringotts until you had rescued Harry (Aldwyn?) from my vile sister's house and taken him away from their abuse and violence. Therefore, you wouldn't have even had the opportunity to open this letter and gain the significant information it contains until the time was right. You must be wondering just how I came to know all of this, and I will tell you. Though be warned that no one, not even my husband James knows this safely guarded secret. Well, all except a very dear friend of mine who you will not meet just yet.
Everyone knows or rather knew me as Lily Jane Potter nee Evans but what I found out during my seventh year at Hogwarts was a serious shock to the system. My parents didn't really understand the concept of appropriate timing you see and dropped a bomb right in the middle of the wizarding war. I wasn't their daughter. Apparently, an old and rather strange-looking character came to their doorstep one day with me in his arms. He explained to them how they were my only living relatives and that my parents had just been killed in an accident. 10 galleons as to who that old man was?
None other than the esteemed headmaster Albus Dumbledore. It took me months of research to find out who I was actually related to and after scouring the hall of records, I finally found what I had been looking for. It helped that they didn't change my birthday and told me the date I was given to them. My real name was Lillian Druella Rosier. I was the missing daughter, or rather unknown daughter of Evan Rosier, one of your devoted Death Eaters during the war.
This is probably a lot for you to take in now and you probably don't even believe half of it to be true, but I found and collected evidence for you which is sitting in the vault I bequeathed to you in my will. In this vault, you will find memories, diary entries, and my original birth certificate. It was certainly a shock to me when I found out that I was not, in fact, a Muggleborn witch. I was pureblood and my child, Harry Potter is a first-generation pureblood.
The other reason I am writing this letter to you, Marvolo Slytherin is because I saw the adoption between you and my son, and I cannot explain just how happy I am or how relieved I was when I had this vision. Ah, I probably should explain this to you as well; as far back as I can remember I have been plagued with visions of the future, not full events, or anything substantial but small snippets. I am unsure whether this was a trait passed down through the Rosier family or not.
Anyhow, I saw the adoption and I know that you are going to be perfect in looking after and taking care of Aldwyn. Yet, before you go through with it, I have some information that you need to be aware of. James Potter, although my husband, is not the biological father of my son. He, nor the real father knew of this, however, and I was wondering if you would be opposed to telling him for me? If what I saw was indeed correct then you will be exceedingly happy with this development, and y visions are rarely, if ever, incorrect.
When I found out that James was not Harry's biological dad, I was terrified. I worried that James would treat Harry differently and so, I glamoured Harry to look just like James. I have discovered, however, that when the ritual takes place, it will wipe out my parentage from Harry, but his dad's features will come through more predominantly. Do not despair, your features will be undeniable. Aldwyn will be your son in magic, body, and soul. He will have just unlocked traits and features from his dad.
You know Aldwyn's birth father very well, and I know that both of you will take extremely good care of Aldwyn for me. I should stop procrastinating now, you are probably dying to know who Aldwyn's dad is, if not James and I will reveal it to you. Aldwyn's true dad's name is Severus Tobias Snape. Or should I say, Lord Prince?
You do not even need to tell him the truth if that is what you desire. Though it would make Aldwyn and myself, not to mention you happy to share this information with your new, growing family. I can understand though if you would prefer to wait for the appropriate timing to unveil this information, so I will leave this up to you.
I will not take up much more of your time Lord Slytherin, but I beg of you to keep Aldwyn safe. He will need your support more than ever in the upcoming years, especially while he is under the constant supervision of Albus Dumbledore at Hogwarts.
Lillian Rosier.
Marvolo reads the letter, then rereads it. His mind whirls frantically as he tries to process the overload of information he had just received. He had never contemplated the possibility of Evan Rosier's daughter, Lillian to still be alive. By the time he had learnt about his Death Eater's murder, his wife and children had gone into hiding. He had assumed the youngest child had been with her mother, but apparently, that had not been the case. He swipes a hand through his hair, scanning the cursive letters, head throbbing at the untold secrets the woman had been carrying for years. He has to admit that he is rather impressed that Lillian had been able to live her life as she did while knowing the things she did.
So, according to Lily potter, she was not actually related to Petunia Dursley, nor was she a Muggleborn witch. She was claiming to be the unknown (to anyone outside the Death Eater organisation), daughter of one of his most loyal followers during the wizarding war. He recalls all he had been told of the hot-headed, vindictive witch and finds the information not that difficult to believe. Even for a young witch, Lily had been incredibly comfortable with magic, her powers exceeding her classmates easily. Someone who was that in tune with magic must have strong magical blood running through their veins and that usually wasn't found in Mudbloods.
Furthermore, his soon-to-be-son, Aldwyn was not the biological child of Lily and James Potter, but of Lily Potter and Severus Prince. He wasn't sure how to feel about that except a small amount of guilt for attacking the child of his most favoured follower and relief. Aldwyn would surely be ecstatic to receive such news, especially when he had already begun to see Severus as his Papa. What he couldn't account for would be Severus's reaction if he found out that Aldwyn was really his child. That he had conceived a son with his dear Lily; that the child he had despised, for lack of a better word, for the better part of his early life. Yes, Aldwyn had already forgiven him, but Severus may feel added guilt at the information and not see himself as worthy to be Aldwyn's dad now.
Marvolo drags a hand through his hair, thoughts conflicting as he stares down at the letter in his hand. He wasn't worried that Severus would wish to take his son away from him. Far from it. He knew that Severus was smitten with Aldwyn and had acquiesced to forming an official courtship with him, further cementing himself to them by expressing his intent of proclaiming Aldwyn as the Heir to the house of Prince. Now, at least he has a good idea of how Severus and Aldwyn's relationship had changed so easily. It had been their familial bond calling out to each other.
He wouldn't inform Severus of this information tonight, they both had too much to prepare for, for the following afternoon. No, he would wait until after the adoption ritual. When Aldwyn's features became an almost perfect blend of their shared features, then he would have to explain the resemblance between his son and his partner. He didn't want to keep Severus in the dark about such life-changing, sensitive information, not when it pertained to their child. It would be unfair of him to even consider keeping this from his partner.
Sighing once more, Marvolo drags a hand down his face. This had just added to his exhaustion. Folding the parchment up, he places it in the top drawer of his desk, he would come and retrieve it before the ritual started so he could properly explain everything to Severus and Aldwyn.
Aldwyn is a nervous wreck. His thoughts are a swirling whirlwind of conflicting emotions as he stares at the small army of House Elves standing at the foot of his bed. A few more scurrying in and out of his bathroom. Their exuberance fills the room, setting his frayed nerves even more on edge; it wasn't the most pleasant way to wake up in the morning, he has to admit. A small smile tugs at his lips when Geeney pushes her way to the front of the crowd, large ears flapping back and forth. Slowly slipping off the bed, Aldwyn doesn't make it more than a few steps before Geeney is in front of him, hands held out to her sides.
"Good morning, Little Master Aldwyn! Geeney been instructed to give Little Master his breakfast in his room before yous be having a bath. Lord Master Marvolo bes telling Geeney that you need special bath to cleanse yous for the adoption."
Aldwyn glances down at Geeney, eyebrows furrowing as he allows the small elf to lead him to his desk where a steaming plate of eggs, bacon, sausages, toast, and beans is waiting for him. He sighs, he was a little bit disappointed that he wouldn't get to have breakfast with his father today. Shaking his head, Aldwyn sits down, flushing when his stomach grumbles when the smell assaults his senses, mouth watering he begins to eat while listening to the happy chattering of the House elves.
He studies his bedroom as he eats his breakfast, eyes flitting from one bustling house elf to the next. He watches in silence as the elves race in and out of his bedroom, bumping into each other. Each one carries different things in their hands, from clothes to multiple vials of potions. The hustle makes him roll his eyes, if someone had told him a week ago that his life would be this much different than living with the Dursleys, having someone serve him instead of him serving them, he would have laughed it off. His life had done a complete 180 in just a few days.
He polishes off his food, placing his cutlery down on the plate, he startles when it instantly vanishes before he had even finished chewing his last mouthful. He doesn't get to relax before a hand grips his own, tugging him from his seat and towards the bathroom. His eyes widen at the sight before him, his bathtub had been filled to the brim, steam rising to fill the room with a rich, yet sweet scent and he knows that it must be from the potions mixed into the water.
"Wes been preparing the bath for Little Master Aldwyn. Please bes undressing so wes can be cleansing you for the afternoon, Little Master." Geeney bounces on her toes, a grin so wide her teeth are on full display, and Aldwyn cannot help but feel his own excitement rising.
His trepidation slowly fades, as excitement fills the air when several house elves seem to offer their congratulations to him over each other before Geeney shoos them out of the room with a small huff. He peels his sleepwear off, dropping them to the floor only to watch in bemusement as one of the house elves shooed away pops back in, snatching the clothes and popping away before Geeney can comment further. Aldwyn feels laughter bubbling up when Geeney merely rolls her eyes.
"Thank you, Geeney." Aldwyn mutters, taking her offered hand as he steps into to warm water.
Geeney doesn't say much, her eyes glued to her master in case he slips. Aldwyn releases a content sigh, his muscles relaxing as he slides into the water, the potions added causing a tingle to skate across his skin washing away the dirt clinging to him and his remaining doubts. This was really happening. The few lingering aches from his time with the Dursleys also fade away, soothing his phantom injuries.
"You is being welcome, Little Master. Geeney and other elves are always happy to serve the Great Slytherin family. Now let us bes getting you cleansed for the ritual."
It takes all of 40 minutes for Aldwyn to be suitably clean and 'cleansed', though he isn't too sure how Geeney knows for certain, but he doesn't question her. Maybe it had something to do with House Elf magic. Or maybe Severus gave her some instruction. He doesn't offer up any complaints when he is instructed out of the warm water, nor does he voice any objections when Geeney dries him off with a click of her fingers.
He does protest a little when she grabs his hand, dragging him back into his bedroom without so much as a towel to cover his unmentionables from the hoard of house elves lingering around the room. His breath catches when he is pulled over to his bed, eyes catching sight of the garments he is to wear today.
The robe laid out on his bed is made of pure white silk reaching down to his ankles, delicate swirls decorating the hem and sleeves in a rich golden colour which makes the cloth sparkle and twinkle beautifully in the candlelight. His cloak is made from a similar fabric, only this time with dark green and silver detailing curling around his collar and waist, the silver forming small snakes which slither around the cloth. Aldwyn assumes they are to represent the family he is being introduced to and welcomed into. His heart swells.
He notices the lack of socks and shoes as Geeney is helping him dress, while another house elf attempts to tame his hair and questions her. Nodding his head in understanding, Aldwyn listens to Geeney explaining how many pureblood families believe that it holds one closer to Mother Magic and grounds participants through powerful rituals by giving the excess magic somewhere to go.
The remaining house elves were all too eager to offer their assistance to their young prince. That has his eyes rolling, it would seem even they had heard of the new name. Multiple hands grapple at his robes, ensuring that each layer is sitting correctly on his small frame, meticulously trying to tame his uncontrollable hair. They step back, deeming him ready. Exclamations at his appearance brings a flush to his cheeks as they pop out one at a time. Some wave frantically at him while others shout their congratulations once more. Aldwyn brushes his hands down his clothes, lips twitching upwards, and he knows he is going to treasure these robes for the rest of his life.
Aldwyn chuckles when a few of the younger elves grin at him, tears shining in their eyes as they offer him whispered words of encouragement and good luck before Geeney chases them out of the room to get back to work. It was nice to know that so many people were happy for him for once; that so many were anticipating his adoption just as much as he was. Before he could contemplate anymore, Geeney is taking his hand and guided him out of the room, her smile widening as he follows without a word.
"The Slytherin Family House elves bes very excited for this afternoon, Little Prince. Theys bes saying how Master Slytherin has been happier now that the Little Prince is home. Geeney agrees, she does. Lord Master Slytherin has been gentler to us house elves since Young Prince Aldwyn's bes staying with us at the Manor. Wes has been preparing the Manor for yours adoption since Lord Master Slytherin told us he is adopting little Prince."
Aldwyn doesn't know how to respond to Geeney's kind words as she continues to pull him down the corridor. His throat constricts a little at the flood of emotions filling his chest at her admission, but his nerves take over, spiraling in his gut as they near the ritual chamber. It was really nice to know that his presence here in the Manor was not only welcomed but anticipated to such a degree. Not just his father, Severus and the Malfoys had been kind enough to let him into their lives, but the House elves were ecstatic to have him there as well. He truly felt wanted for the first time in his life.
His thoughts drift to the muggles. The harsh treatment at their hands will finally stop for good. The insults, daily beatings, and days of being locked in such a small, dark space with no food no longer waiting for him; no longer looming over his head in anticipation of him making another 'mistake'. The realisation that it is all finally over lifts a large weight from his shoulders and Aldwyn has to force himself not to cry. No longer would his life be in the hands of a manipulative old coot who thinks of him as nothing more than a weapon. A pawn to play in his chess game.
So stunned by his own revelations, Aldwyn doesn't realise Geeney pulling them to a stop outside a set of large ornate, wooden doors. Nor is he aware when she disappears with a silent pop, whispered words of encouragement echoing behind her. Dragging himself from his thoughts, Aldwyn glances around the hallway for a moment, taking a second to recall why he was standing in the middle of an unfamiliar hallway by himself.
Aldwyn feels his nerves fluttering faster than before, his hands sweating as his stomach flips as he studies the intricate details on the doors. Two large, beautiful snakes intertwined are hissing at each other as they slither around the flowers and vines bordering the door.
It was finally time.
Steeling his nerves, Aldwyn takes a deep breath before reaching a trembling hand out towards the handle; pushing the door, he opens it a crack, just enough to allow his small frame to slip through as quietly as he possibly could. He didn't want to disturb anyone inside.
Shutting the door behind him, Aldwyn lets his gaze sweep across the large room in front of him, gasping at the extravagance of it all. Aldwyn gapes at the deep beauty and inviting air that he can feel swirling around his frame in what he recognises as one of the many training rooms within the manor. He could definitely believe Geeney about the house elves prepping everything as soon as they found out about the adoption. It must have taken them ages to clear the room of training equipment and cleanse it completely. Casting his gaze around, he makes a mental note to thank the house elves the next time he sees them.
The white walls are cast in shadows, laying emphasis on the black translucent fabric hanging along the perimeter much like quidditch banners. Small silver snakes attached and curling around the decorative banners at equal intervals. There is a large magically secured window on the adjacent wall to his right, dark Slytherin green curtains pulled tightly closed blocking out any remaining natural light emitting from the midday sun. Candles flicker in the darkened room, each placed lovingly in its holder; each holding carrying two candles that flicker arithmetically. It was almost as if they were taking part in an intricate dance; shadows floating across the walls like there is unheard music drifting through the air only they could hear.
Aldwyn allows a small smile to form at the corner of his mouth, eyes moving around the room to try and take in as much detail as he can before the ritual takes place. He watches as Lord Malfoy kneels on the floor, his black robes glistening in the candlelight, hair almost glowing ethereal white as he moves elegantly. A small piece of chalk is held in his hand, dragging across the stone floor to make complicated runic patterns in perfect circles around the room.
Glancing down at the floor, Aldwyn spots six explicitly drawn circles spread around the room. Four are positioned in what he assumes to be the compass points; the one on the far corner has two tables placed within reach behind it. In the centre of the four, stands another two, larger more detailed circles which Aldwyn infers is where he and his father are going to be standing once the circle is open.
Eyes drifting once more, Aldwyn sees Lady Malfoy and Draco standing together, each adorned in similar robes to Lucius. The pair seem to be lost in their own world, standing between two of the circles pointing around the room at the various details. Aldwyn wouldn't be surprised if Draco was drilling his mother about the significance of each detail for the ritual and trying to learn as much about it as possible.
So caught up in his observations, Aldwyn turns to watch Severus as the man hums to himself, playing around and arranging two identical-looking potion vials onto the two tables. A small silver dagger is held loosely in his hand as he speaks softly to Marvolo before returning to his humming. So lost in watching Severus, Aldwyn doesn't notice his father staring back at him from his place near Severus.
He doesn't notice when he makes his way over to him, nor when he stops by his side. He doesn't notice until a comforting hand falls on his shoulder causing him to jump. Looking up, Aldwyn breathes a sigh of relief, his muscles relaxing as his nerves seem to dissipate into the air at the sight of his father's shining smile. He could see the excitement in his father's gaze and feels a warmth blossoming in his chest.
"You look marvelous, Aldwyn. Are you ready?"
Aldwyn takes his father's offered hand and allows himself to be directed across the room, skirting Lucius's hard work as he is taken over to Severus who, much to Aldwyn's delight is still humming to himself. Though he stops as soon as he sees the pair approaching him. Severus offers a gentle smile to Aldwyn as he speaks in a soft, reassuring tone.
"Aldwyn, you look stunning. Now, before we can begin the ritual, I need you to put seven drops of your blood into this potion for me."
Aldwyn feels his ears burning at the compliment, watching as Severus picks up one of the vials of liquid before holding it out to him. He glances at the deep red liquid, swallowing thickly. Seeing Aldwyn's hesitation, Severus crouches down so he is at eye level with the child, dropping a kiss to his forehead he whispers.
"Do not worry so, Snakelet. This potion doesn't taste as bad as some of the others, I promise. You will just need to drink it during the ritual in order to mix your blood with your father's."
Taking a deep breath, Aldwyn nods his head and takes hold of the knife he is handed. Dragging the sharpened point across the tip of his fingers, he carefully holds the cut over the potion vial, thankful when his father grips his wrist to help him. His grin widens when he hears Severus counting the drops of blood under his breath. He feels oddly at ease, surrounded by his father and Severus. Finally allowing his hand to be taken away, Marvolo heals his hand before Severus draws him into a tight embrace.
"Well done, Aldwyn, almost there now."
Wrapping his arms just as tightly around Severus's shoulders, Aldwyn buries his face in the man's neck for a moment. He takes comfort in Severus's embrace before he pulls back enough to watch his Father dropping his own blood in the other vial. As soon as the Dark Lord is done, Severus pulls away from Aldwyn and pushes himself to his feet. He glances from Aldwyn to Marvolo, voice, and face turning serious.
"Now as I have said, you both will need to drink these potions during the ritual, but do not worry the magic saturating the air will inform you as to the timing. Aldwyn, this ritual combined with the potion will essentially burn away all your Potter blood and replace it with Slytherin blood. Your appearance will change sometime after the ritual, as it will take some time to settle properly, but you will no longer be the child of Lily and James Potter."
Marvolo bites the inside of his cheek at Severus's words, hand slipping into his robes to grasp hold of the letter from Lillian Rosier. He glances between his son and Severus, knowing that the secret which had been protected for close to twelve years will be revealed in a little under an hour. He allows his thoughts to drift to Severus's reaction to its contents before shaking his head. He needed to focus on the ritual for now. He will deal with the aftermath when the time comes.
Aldwyn nods his head, his face the perfect picture of determination and confidence as he turns to survey the room one final time. He would do this. He will complete the ritual and finally become part of a family who was willing to welcome him in.
"Alright. What do I have to do?"
Marvolo crouches by his son's side this time, placing his hands on Aldwyn's shoulder to look directly into the mesmerising emerald eyes he loved so much.
"You, Snakelet, will not have to do anything. All I ask is that you remain relaxed as much as possible and if you feel a tug or slight pull of magic then you follow it and allow for it to run its course. Do not try to fight back, otherwise, it will be painful for you, and I couldn't stand to see you hurting."
"Alright Father, I understand. Where do you need me to stand?"
Aldwyn waits for his father to stand back up before he slips his hand back into his father's and allows Marvolo to lead him to one of the larger circles in the middle of the room. Aldwyn carefully steps over the chalk-drawn runes, mindful not to smudge them as he turns to face the opposite circle. Forcing his muscles to relax as much as possible, Aldwyn watches as each member moves to their own position. Lucius standing behind his father with Narcissa to his right, Draco behind him, and Severus to his left. He is pulled into another tight embrace. Wrapping his arms around his father in return, Aldwyn inhales the familiar soothing scent of his father.
"I am so proud of you, my son. Just remember that no matter what, I love you, nothing could ever change that. Nothing in this world will ever make me love you any less." Aldwyn tightens his arms around his father's waist, surprised by the strong conviction behind Marvolo's voice. He nods his head which is hidden in the crook of his father's neck.
"I know. I love you too, Father."